When I returned home from Mosport on Sunday afternoon, I sat down in front of the computer to write. I had never met Dino Crescentini, though I had admired his Wolf Dallara and even his Can-Am motorcycle. The events from earlier in the day had upset me as a person, as a driver and as a motorsports enthusiast. I had to respectfully inform my fellow enthusiasts of the tragedy of the day. Little did I know that The Garage would become the hub where so many would convey their messages of sympathy and memories to Dino’s family. I am honored that I have been able to help connect all of you.
As I sat down to write, it occurred to me to have a look at the post I had published to promote the VARAC Festival early the day before. It was a detail shot of Dino’s car taken at last year’s VARAC Festival.
We have heard stories of Dino’s love of his friends and family, and we’ve heard how he loved to share his love of motorsports. Some of that love has obviously rubbed off, as so many people have sent in photos to share. After the break, you’ll find a quantity of memories. As there are children in many of these photos, I think it is best to let the images do the talking and leave out the credits. Thanks to everyone who has shared their photos.
Funeral and visitation arrangements:
1. Visitations at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home – 54800 Van Dyke Rd. and 25 Mile Rd., Shelby Twp. MI 48316, Tel: 586-677-4000
a. Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm
b. Friday from 1:00 to 9:00 pm (prayer service at 7:00 pm)
2. Funeral Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood, Rochester, MI 48307, Tel 248-651-7486
a. Saturday at 10:00 am (In-state beginning at 9:30 am)
b. St. Andrew is within a neighborhood north of downtown Rochester and just east of Rochester Rd. between University Rd. and Timken Rd. Going northbound on Rochester Rd., make a right turn on Romeo Rd north of University. Turn left shortly thereafter on Inglewood Rd.
3. Instead of flowers, Dino’s family has asked that any donations be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, For Dino Crescentini, 1421 East 12 Mile Rd. Bldg. 4, Madison Heights, MI 48071.
27 comments ↓
Thank you Gary and all the photographers. Like you I never met Dino but it is clear that he was a special kind of person.
This brought tears to my eyes. The way that this man shared his love of the sport not only with everyone but including the children and letting them be part of his car by letting them sit in is will be sadly missed but forever remembered.
Godspeed Dino and rest in peace
The second photo is Dino and my father who drove to mosport track on thursday together. The third photo is my father, brothers and relatives. My father and Dino were best friends and witnessed the crash. My brothers and iI had to drive to Canada to help drive Dino’s truck and trailer home to help my father. Dino told my mother on Thursday while picking my father up for the trip he was in a rush but would look at their new house when he gets back from the race. That replays in my head a thousand times over. You never know when our time is up.
Matt
I just want to say what a great job your blog is doing for Dino Crescentini’s family, friends and colleagues; it’s giving them a voice to honour Mr Crescentini and show the rest of the world what a fine person he was.
Thank you Gary. This montage is a great tribute and I am sure the familly will appreciate these fine moments. Both my kids are posed in the car and he made them very happy.
Dino,
Was a great man with a warm heart and will missed by everyone who has ever met him. He had an infectous smile and a personality that filled the room. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
When I first learned about a man dying at the Vintage Racing Festival, I was shocked at first, then saddened. The sadness intensified when I learned about Dino’s life, his character, and his passions. I deeply regret missing the chance to meet the man who has clearly inspired so many around him.
I am putting together a piece about the entire weekend for a motorsports magazine and I would very much like to include, if possible, details on Dino’s life and his love for racing. I do not wish to contact the family at this time, for obvious reasons.
However I would still like to share his memory with the wider racing world.
To that end, if anyone has information, stories, anecdotes or photos that they would like shared, I have included my e-mail address and welcome you to contact me with them.
My deepest sympathies continue to go out to Dino’s family and his many friends.
Mike
Oops. I assumed my e-mail would be displayed publicly if I included it in the entry field.
My e-mail address is spddmn@gmail.com
Thank you.
I knew Dino when I raced cas at Waterford. We would always chide each other and he was a perfect gentleman always. many times, he would invite me and my date back to his home to show me his home and his collection of Italian racing cars. He was a very honest guy and never said a bad word about anybody even when the stewards were fiving him a hard time(noise)….. we would always fun swear at other drivers “Sonoma Beach” we would laugh and say…. I will miss you my friend…
FV
I met Dino at Watkins Glen in 2005. We seemed to hit it off from the moment we started talking. When I started to speak Italian with him.. well forgettaboutit, I may as well have been a long lost cousin. He was a really friendly guy who talk to anyone and offer help if needed. He was probably a much better driver with alot more experience than I, but was very down to earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Tony Carpanzano
Dino made a number of impressions when he raced At Waterford Hills, and we shared an afternoon with Jeff Cauley’s Ferrari gathering chasing each other. He was a competitior and I admired his determination to try to meet new friends wherever he went. These cars and the history of the sport will long outlive our lifetime - thanks for capturing some of the history - a sad loss loss -.
J. Byron 22
Dino, I know you can hear this. My memories will always be fond of your spirit and our competitions. Your desire to innovate and “play your own songs” will be in my memory forever. I know you left us doing what you love, your friends and family will always feel it was too soon.
Paul Gentilozzi
What a wonderful gester for someone to give Dino this tribute… for he well deserves it. He was and will always be remembered as a man of integrity and honor… loved and will be missed by many… especially those he touched and blessed with his sense of humor, being a mentor and loyal firned. Vince… and family… our prayerws go out to you. He will always be remembered for those who have touched the world… are never forgotten…
Love, Francesca Monteleone
Sorry… spelled wife’s anme wrong… Vinci…
forget my spelling…
I was shocked to hear of Dino’s passing, the racing community will sorely miss him. He had wonderful people skills and drove with excitement and integrity. A beautiful recipe of being humble and a man that could bring the best out of you all the time. My thoughts and prayers go to his family Rick
Dino had an amazing apprecitation for life,family,racing and home building. I’ve known dino for over 15 years, we worked on his custom homes. Dino built many very large homes besides his own. Clients ranged from football and hockey stars to doctors and local business men. Every home dino built had his own personal touch. Racing was always his passion but he loved to work with people and build custom homes. Our time has ended with dino and God has called him home, he must have plans for dino. (DINO THE MAN!)
Dino was a neighbor and a friend, his generosity was boundless, his spirit and integrity were unflappable. I met Dino a little more than four years ago when we were at the Village Mall of Rochester Hills showing our cars he had his Porsche Boxster S there and I had my 930 Ruf BTR clone he was admiring my car and did not realize I lived across the street from him. The conversation went from cars to watches and a friendship was born. Dino rubbed shoulders with some of the incredible people but yet his humility was remarkable.
While at a wedding in Greece last year I met the Dino Crescentini of StopTech and we talked about what a small world it is and now even in death as they were in life they are confused as one for the other. I just learned of this and I am shaken by it. I can say of Dino that he had an amazing love of life and family; he left an indelible mark on the people who knew him.
Godspeed Dino.
I just saw Dino just a few weeks ago when he stopped to check on me since I was parked at a local school in my old classic car; Dino knew that driving older cars can present a challenge, but luckily I was only picking someone up and there were no problems. Dino ALWAYS had a kind word to share and certainly was a true blue “Car Guy” and loved the automobile world. I was invited to his home from the start with open arms, and his family was so kind and friendly it was as if we had all been lifelong friends.
I will never forget the Lions club charity car show two or so years ago when Dino showed up driving the same car he had the accident in. Dino entered the show driving down main street in his full race Can-Am car; This was a huge surprise, but at the same time, not, knowing Dino. For those of you who did not have the pleasure of knowing him, even though Dino knew some of the most prominent individuals in our area, he never tried to better the next guy or belittle anyone, as Dino was always humble, thoughtful and forever full of energy; always appearing much younger than he was. This is how I shall remember him.
Without Dino, the world is missing a great personality, a talented homebuilder, a true car guy and a friend to all.
Can Am car on the street….now THAT is cool!
Dino was a true master. I can tell you that this man was one of a kind. The most Generous, courteous and well respected. He had a great impact on my life. Made me to believe in myself and always realize that you can reach the sky. He was a self made man. I am so glad I had the chance to meet this great man. He will always be the master. Love you Dino and God bless you (my friend) and your family and thank you for sharing your time here with us.
Joe Navaroli
[...] his Wolf Dallara and even his Can-Am motorcycle. The events from earlier in the day had upset me ahttp://thegarageblog.com/garage/dino-crescentini-memories-in-images/Vintage Racer Killed In High-Speed Crash At Mosport Raceway Dino Crescentini JalopnikThis weekend [...]
Mr. Grant,
Of all the blogs I have seen, yours means more than I can tell you. The pictures have my dad written all over it - always a smile & a joke between him and everyone in that picture. It was comforting to see his friend’s comments. Thank you for setting this up in honor of a historically great man - my dad….
Cristina M Crescentini
My brother and I will be honoring my father at the 2008 Concourse D’Elegance on August 3rd, 2008 at Meadowbrook in Rochester Hills, MI. We look forward to seeing all his friends and fellow car enthusiast!
I just found out about Dino last night. I cannot tell you how truly sad I am. I am very fortunate. I had the pleasure of knowing that great man, Dino. He built our house over 4 years ago, and we became such great friends that we have continued our friendship throughout the years. Dino was such a genuine and kind man. He invited us over for dinner at his house with his wonderful wife Vinci. Each year he offers up his home in San Moreno for my husband and I to stay at when we go to Italy. My husband was in a terrible car accident last year and was ejected from his classic car. As soon as Dino found out, he called me every day to make sure my husband (and I) were ok. We met for lunch about once every 4 months and no matter what, he always talked about his family and he was so proud of his son and daughter. I called Dino about 2 weeks ago and thought it was odd that he never called me back. Now I know why and I so wish it wasn’t the case.
We will miss you “Dino Dino Dino….”
The tribute at Waterford Hills this weekend was fitting and we will miss your smile and spirit. It was a pleasure to know you and see you race with passion. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Peace be with you. My best to the family.
Ed Ludtke
Dino era mio cugino.Un uomo davvero speciale. la sua vitalità e la sua allegria erano contagiose come l’entusiasmo che metteva in ogni cosa che faceva. ricorderò per tutta la vita il suo sorriso e il suo sguardo vivace e curioso come quello di un bambino. Continueremo ad amarlo. Un abbraccio a Vancy, Cristina e Stefano
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